The Thrashers

By: Julie Soto

The compelling, unforgettable thriller from bestselling author Julie Soto, perfect for fans of A GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO MURDER and THIRTEEN REASONS WHY.

Jodi never asked to be a Thrasher – a member of the high school elite. But Jodi has been best friends with Zack Thrasher her whole life, and like it or not, that means she’s branded a Thrasher by the rest of the school. And different as she feels to the other four Thrashers – all talented, privileged and beautiful – she can’t help appreciating her social status, especially compared to her violent home life.

But being a Thrasher isn’t worth dying for – except, apparently, it was to Emily Mills. Sweet but intense Emily, whose fixation on Zack brought her close to the in-crowd, but never close enough. Emily, who took her own life on prom night.

When a detective finds a copy of Emily’s diary, there are whispers that she was ‘Thrashed’ – bullied to death by Zack and his gang. They are arrested, charged, and ostracised, their once bright futures extinguished. Then begin the texts from unfamiliar numbers, inexplicable light flares, the run of bad luck that becomes a string of near-fatal accidents… and the constant dreams of Emily.

But something isn’t adding up. The diary is too convenient. In fact, it’s filled with Jodi’s own secrets, repurposed by Emily. But why?

One thing is clear. Emily isn’t done with the Thrashers.

©2025 Julie Soto (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

“Julie Soto is a master at giving readers books they cannot put down. The Thrashers is all consuming from page ONE. From the will they-won’t they? To the did they-didn’t they? I read this book in one sitting and then turned right back to the beginning. I held my breath, shouted at the pages, and cried tears for people I’ve never met. Readers will love this book.” – Kristin Dwyer, author of Some Mistakes Were Made

“Expertly plotted and full of flawed, morally gray characters you still can't help rooting for, The Thrashers is one of the best books I've read this year – and that's not hyperbole. Think Veronica Mars with a hint of the unreal. Soto keeps you guessing and turning pages until the last gasp at the very end.” – Evelyn Skye, New York Times bestselling author

“When I say this book had me hooked, I mean “missed my train stop, oh no is that the sun coming up in the window” hooked. I hope I get amnesia so I can read it again for the first time. This chill-inducing, swoon-worthy, hold-your-breath thriller will stick with you long after you turn the last page.” – Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of The Rival and Tweet Cute

“The Thrashers is so much more than a gripping, heart-in-your-throat thriller – it's a class commentary with a deeply emotional center that brought me right back to high school. I absolutely inhaled it! The writing is razor sharp, the twists are unpredictable, and the characters are phenomenally layered. Julie Soto is a thoughtful, confident storyteller, no matter the genre.” – Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author

“A chilling and propulsive page-turner, The Thrashers is a razor-sharp exploration of class, friendships, social hierarchy, and the dangers of desire. Soto delivers complex characters, clever twists, and heart-in-your-throat moments readers will never forget.” – Julian Winters, award-winning author of Prince of the Palisades